Cultivating Grace: A Journey of Transformation and Divine Favor

by Yvette van Niekerk In 1 Corinthians 15:10, it is written, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” Often, I hear the phrase “it is what it is,” and I resonate with the sentiment of being content with oneself. There is no one quite like me – in appearance, actions, or thoughts. I often ponder my past actions and wonder why I acted in certain ways. Reflecting on the life of the Apostle Paul, I am struck by his deep understanding of God's divine secrets. He possessed the keys to a fruitful, victorious, and power-packed Christian life, fueled by the grace of God. I long for that kind of grace in my spiritual journey, believing it would fortify me during my most challenging times. As I look at Paul's life, I marvel at his dedication – preaching, teaching, and proclaiming the gospel despite intense pressure and persecution. I wonder if I could ever reach such heights in my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. How did Paul do it? He comprehended that it was not his strength but the grace of God working through him. I aspire to reach that level of understanding, to fully know and comprehend God. I yearn to tap into God’s supernatural kindness, favour, and spiritual power – His grace. Presently, I find myself in a difficult situation. Despite the presence of my husband and children, I feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness. I am beseeching the Lord God for wisdom, insight, and above all, understanding. My life has shifted dramatically, and I am struggling to cope. Every day seems daunting, and I cannot face it without the Lord by my side. I need His supernatural favour and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Lord, I implore you to grant me Your grace today. I cannot navigate this day without You. The pressure is immense, and I yearn to perform flawlessly, to make You proud. I want to transform my thinking, cease my complaints, and mature in my walk with You. Please renew my mind, break the patterns of negative thinking, and help me change my speech. I am trapped in a cycle of negativity; Lord, please forgive me. I am here, Lord, seeking Your grace to renew my life. Your grace is all-encompassing and sufficient for every need and challenge I face. Father God, I acknowledge that I am what I am solely by Your grace. Today, I strive to work diligently to align myself with Your will. But I am only human; I need Your assistance to bear fruits that are pleasing in Your sight. I implore You for supernatural favour in my relationship with You and with others. Open doors for me and my family, Lord; we are desperate for Your grace. Hear my plea, Lord. Amen.

Embracing God's Mercy and Love

by Yvette van Niekerk

At meal times, we pause to say grace. Yet, I find myself pondering - do I truly grasp the depth of God's grace? The scriptures define it as an action of divine favor, a force that washes away sin and absolves guilt. It's the love of God, given freely, when I least deserve it. His grace stands as a beacon of forgiveness and acceptance, sufficient for every day. All I need to do is ask for it. Let's turn the spotlight on me for a moment. I am far from perfect. I've lied, stolen, gossiped, and even cheated. Each transgression carries its own weight of consequences, and guilt swiftly follows. There were times when I hesitated to seek God's grace, comparing my shortcomings to others', thinking mine were somehow worse. These experiences left scars, yet I continued to function. I once embarked on a journey to earn God's forgiveness, convinced of my own unworthiness. Though I might have appeared righteous on the surface, my soul felt as dark as pitch. I began by tentatively approaching the Lord, tears in my eyes. How could He, I wondered, even look upon someone like me? Soon, it dawned on me that Grace isn't a carte blanche to evade the repercussions of my actions. It doesn't grant me immunity to sin without consequence. Instead, it shifted my focus from my wrongdoings to God's word. To realign my life, I had to dive into the scriptures, rebuilding my connection with Him. I had to allow His grace to wash over my guilt, to accept it. How? Romans 4:17 reminds me, "I have made you the father of many nations." And Romans 5:8 resonates, "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Following that, Romans 6:15 sternly warns against using grace as an excuse to sin. God's grace beckons me, and I want to draw near. Lord, I believe, and I accept Your Word, as Hebrews 4:16 encourages, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need." What have I learned? Guilt leads to condemnation. I yearn to live in conviction, where God uses my guilt as a compass, guiding me towards His Grace, leading to spiritual growth. How do I achieve this? I must grant God access to my thoughts, allowing Him to renew my mind. I need His Spirit to unveil my sin and expose its true nature. I must grow to abhor my sin, to desperately yearn for God, to cling to Him for forgiveness. I've grieved over my actions, but I've struggled to accept that God loves me, and His grace is sufficient. Often, I hear the cruel refrain, "you are nothing, a nobody, a total loser!" Yet, I also hear the comforting words, "Jesus forgives you!" Help me transform my thoughts, Lord, and renew my mind. I aspire to be elevated into holiness and truth. I now understand that God's convictions require effort. I must remain steadfast in Him, dwell in His presence, and cultivate my personal relationship with Him. I must relinquish my finances, health, and discipline to God. By allowing God full access to my life, I will be renewed in my mind, and my relationship with Jesus will be reborn. I yearn to overcome my past and live victoriously with the Lord Jesus by my side and within me. I desire to embody the words of Romans 6:22 today, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." And let's not forget to stand on Hebrews 8:12, "For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." What an awe-inspiring and magnificent God we serve. As I contemplate this, I declare with conviction James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This is my belief and my present prayer for my own life. Grace is a potent force of liberation. I long for transformation, to become a better person, more pleasing to God and to those around me. I walk in the footsteps of Jesus, striving for perfection, though I recognize my imperfections. I willingly yield control, Lord Jesus, inviting Your grace to conquer my guilt and liberate me from past sins. I do not wish to deny You, Lord Jesus, as Peter once did in Matthew 26:69-75. Please, Father God, grant me the strength to seek Your forgiveness. My burdens have become too heavy to bear alone. You know the battles I face and the anger within me. Lord, how can I shed this weight of guilt and release these sins that haunt me daily? Today, I surrender my life completely into Your hands. Lord Jesus, I embrace You as my Lord and Savior. Holy Spirit, renew my mind and align me with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Overcoming Parental Guilt: Embracing God's Grace

by Yvette van Niekerk

Introduction Guilt is a powerful emotion that often finds its way into my thoughts, especially in the quiet moments of early morning or late at night. It clings to me, stemming from a sense of not being there enough for my children, even though they are now grown and parents themselves. While my youngest son has offered forgiveness, my eldest is still navigating his own challenges, and my daughter, she holds her feelings close. Her love for me, however, is unwavering. The Burden of Guilt It's become clear that this guilt is holding me back spiritually. It clouds my judgment and distorts my sense of purpose. At times, I feel undeserving of God's boundless grace and mercy. Yet, I turn to the scriptures, to Psalms 103:10-11, which reminds me: "He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him." Seeking Forgiveness In 1 John 1:9, I find solace: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It's a constant process, of acknowledging both known and unknown transgressions. I implore the Lord for His mercy and forgiveness. Freedom from Sin Romans 6:7 offers a glimmer of hope: "For one who has died has been set free from sin." Yet, releasing the grip of guilt is not always easy. It sneaks up on me when I least expect it, leaving me feeling abandoned and alone. Confronting Condemnation In recent months, I've found myself trapped in a cycle of self-condemnation. Feelings of unworthiness and a belief that this is what I deserve have taken hold. But is this truly what I believe? Is this the life I'm meant to lead? Is God punishing me, withdrawing His favor because of my past? Discovering God's Love I yearn to understand God's love for me. To recognize His hand at work in my life, even amid adversity. Perhaps these trials are a season of grace, a period that will ultimately lead me to a deeper understanding of His love. Embracing Forgiveness I hold fast to the belief that Jesus Christ has the power to transform my life. His forgiveness can replace my guilt with grace, time and time again. I'm ready to leave my guilt in the past and move forward. Stepping into Grace In Romans 12:1, I'm reminded to present myself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. And in Romans 8:1, the assurance echoes: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Reflecting on Romans 7:1, I understand that the law only binds us as long as we live. Conclusion As I navigate this journey of faith and self-forgiveness, I trust in God's unfailing love. Through His grace, I will find the strength to let go of guilt, embrace forgiveness, and move forward in His light.

Father God, help us, send your Angles

Heavenly Father,

We come before you with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and strength. We acknowledge the truth in Your Word, that Your angels encamp around those who fear You. In moments of trouble, when we face the unknown, Your angels are dispatched to rescue, guide, and comfort us. We look to the stories of old, where Your divine messengers intervened in the lives of Your faithful ones, delivering them from peril, changing their life's course, helping them face insurmountable challenges, and strengthening them in their weakest moments. Just as Lot was rescued from the impending destruction of Sodom, just as Moses found purpose in the flames of a burning bush, just as Joshua received a divine plan to bring down the walls of Jericho, and just as Elijah, in his weariness, was touched and comforted by an angel, we too trust in Your divine intervention. We are reminded of Daniel, whose faithfulness led him into the lion's den, yet Your angel shut the mouths of the lions and brought him out unharmed. In our moments of doing what is right, battling temptation, and carrying burdens too heavy to bear, we seek Your angels' presence. We find solace in the knowledge that Jesus Himself, in His deepest anguish, was strengthened by an angel from heaven. Lord, as we face the challenges of our daily lives, we lift up our needs before You. We ask for Your wisdom and understanding as we navigate our work and personal responsibilities. We admit our weaknesses and boldly request Your angelic assistance. We trust in Your provision, knowing that You are aware of our struggles and needs. Grant us the strength to persevere, the wisdom to make the right decisions, and the faith to trust in Your divine plan. We place our trust in You, knowing that when we call upon You for help, Your angels are already on their way. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

God's Angels at Your Side

Psalm 91:11 (NLT) assures us that God will command His angels to protect us wherever we go. Have you ever wondered when God sends His angels to assist us? Here are a few instances: When Loved Ones Disappoint: Think of Hagar, betrayed and abandoned after fulfilling God's promise. Despite her despair, God sent an angel to assure her that her son, Ishmael, was destined for greatness (Genesis 21:18). In Times of Public Humiliation: Consider Mary, facing disgrace for a pregnancy outside wedlock. God sent an angel to affirm her place in His divine plan, protecting her from societal judgment (Luke 1:34-38). Amidst Grief and Fear: Reflect on Mary Magdalene, mourning Jesus’ death. In her sorrow, God sent an angel to declare the miraculous truth: “He is not here; He is risen” (Matthew 28:6). Remember, Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that some have unknowingly hosted angels through their kindness. Despite the world's cynicism, it's essential to trust that God's love for you is genuine. He cares deeply, even sending angels to assist and comfort you in your times of need.

When God Sends His Angels

by Yvette van Niekerk Hebrews 1:14 NIV reminds us, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

God's presence can manifest in countless ways. Just as the disciples mistook Jesus for a ghost during the storm, our human understanding can sometimes cloud our faith. The Scriptures affirm that angels are "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation." Have you ever encountered an angel? They don't always appear in resplendent white robes with grand wings. Often, they blend so seamlessly with the ordinary that we may overlook them. Hebrews 13:2 urges us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Perhaps you wonder why God sends angels when He has blessed us with His Holy Spirit for help, protection, and guidance. It's crucial to remember that God dispatched an angel to rescue Peter from prison just before his execution. Likewise, on his journey to Rome, Paul found himself on a ship battered by a fierce storm. In that dire moment, God sent an angel to assure him of survival. Paul later shared with the crew and passengers: “Take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul’” (Acts 27:22-23). While I may not have seen angels with my own eyes, deep within my heart, I hold steadfast faith that they watch over me. Their gaze never wavers; they are God's messengers, sent to guide, protect, and bring us comfort in times of need.

change my expectations

by Yvette van Niekerk

John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you.” Are you struggling to find joy in your life? Jesus promised us that His joy would remain in us and that our joy would be full. However, stress and unrealistic expectations can drain us of joy and lead us to a life of depression, dullness, and discontent. Here are two things you can do to experience the joy that Jesus promised: Concede that your uprightness is largely because of the way you have decided life would be. Acknowledge that your expectations are causing you much of your frustrations. When you keep expecting things to always be a certain way and they’re not, you will always be upset. Try approaching life today without all those expectations. For example, don’t expect everybody to be friendly – then when some are, you will be delighted. Don’t expect your day to be hassle-free; when trouble comes, look up and say “Thank you, LORD, for another chance to grow.” Rather than swimming against the tide, learn to flow with it. Pretty soon, you will find you are enjoying life more! And not just that: Other people will enjoy being around you more. Start memorizing scripture. Colossians 3:16 “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” When we have stored wonderful words in our memory, we will have a much richer inner life than someone who doesn’t. Memorizing never makes your mind a duller place – just the opposite! The words we carry in our minds are available to transform any given moment. So when there is a verse of Scripture that speaks to you, stop and write it on a card. Put it on a mirror in your bathroom, on your smartphone or calendar, or in your car. If you’re an auditory learner, listen to the scripture being read on CDs or on an iPod. If you’re a visual learner, light a candle and read these words: “God is light; in him, there is no darkness at all” 1 John 1:4 NIV. When God’s word is rehearsed, remembered, and repeated often, it’s like a stream of joy, peace, and strength that flows through our lives. Remember, joyless Christianity is dangerous. Let us strive to find joy in our lives by changing our expectations and memorizing scripture.

A Heart of True Service

by Yvette van Niekerk

Romans 1:1 (NASB) "Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle." In the tapestry of faith, the term "minister" weaves both noun and verb, denoting both person and action. It is not a mere claim, but a commitment lived out. In the pages of Scripture, we find the term "servant" painted vividly, sometimes depicting a galley slave, chained to the oar of a Roman vessel. Day and night, they rowed to the rhythm set by one another, anticipating their life's end bound to the oar. What a profound image! Paul entreats, "Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1, NLT) Paul's conviction was unwavering; he knew without a doubt what God had called him to be. When Paul referred to himself as a "bond servant," he painted a portrait of a servant who faithfully labored for his master for six years. In the seventh, the Mosaic law dictated that the servant be released. Yet, if, upon freedom, he returned and declared, "Master, I serve not out of obligation, but out of love for you," his master would lead him before a magistrate, and his ear would be pierced, signifying that he now belonged to him forever. (Exodus 21:6-7) There comes a moment when we must lift our gaze and declare, "LORD, I serve not because I must, but because I love You. Pierce my ear, mark me as Yours. Bind me to You, so I may never belong to another." Is this request too great, considering all that Jesus has done for us? Lord, strengthen my faith in times of doubt. Amen.

Embracing Your Divine Design: Priorities in His Plan

Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-21 (The Message) "Now may the God of peace... make you complete in everything good so that you may do His will, working among us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Devotional: Dear Beloved in Christ, In our journey to fulfil God's plan for our lives, we must begin by establishing clear priorities guided by His wisdom. It is said that a conclusion is where one may grow weary of pondering, and often, we might settle for priorities based on our own limitations. However, this is not the path God intends for us. Let us not allow ourselves to be swayed by the agendas of others, but rather, let us align our lives with God's divine will for us. Let us turn to the book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 20 and 21, where we are led to pray for God's equipping: "God, I pray for them. I pray that you would help them to do your will today, to do your will in their lives, and you would equip them with all they need to do that." Remember, dear friend, you are chosen and appointed by God for a specific purpose. Your life is meant to bear fruit, fruit that endures long after your earthly journey. As we navigate this path, let us focus on understanding our unique strengths, the gifts that God has graciously bestowed upon us. Reflect on what brings you the highest spiritual return, and what brings you joy and fulfillment. These are your core gifts, entrusted to you by the Almighty. Remember the 80/20 principle in all your endeavours. Dedicate the majority of your efforts to the activities that resonate most deeply with your calling. In doing so, you will heed Jesus' guidance to direct your attention towards the areas that yield the most abundant fruit. May God grant you the wisdom and discernment to recognize your strengths and the courage to utilize them for His glory. Seek His guidance daily, for in His presence, you will find the clarity you seek. In Christ's love, Yvette

Navigating Life's Journey with Galatians 5: 4-5

By Yvette van Niekerk Embracing Personal Accountability As a devoted Christian, wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother, I recognize the profound significance of assuming responsibility for my own life. This fundamental principle extends to my thoughts and actions, forming the cornerstone of my role as a constructive participant in all my relationships. • Evade accountability However, there have been instances where I've erred by shouldering an excessive burden for others, using it as a shield to evade accountability for my circumstances. In these moments, my focus on others and their well-being eclipsed my own need for personal growth and progress. Regrettably, I allowed these challenges to define my identity, succumbing to a pattern of chronic complaints. At times, these narratives of hardship were merely elaborate rationalizations, distortions of reality crafted to conceal my inclination to assign blame elsewhere. This not only absolved me of responsibility but also hindered my growth. In truth, I was the architect of my choices—to persevere or depart, to address or avoid, to lament or seek solutions. • Importance of ownership and accountability Recognizing the importance of ownership and accountability in my life was an ongoing journey, at times appearing as though evading responsibility was the simpler path. Yet, I came to understand that avoidance was, in essence, a decision about what I owed to myself. It was in these moments that I began to grasp the true power of taking responsibility for my own life. • Navigating Life's Journey with Galatians 6:4-5 In our journey through life, Galatians 6:4-5 reminds us of the paramount importance of attending to our endeavours. By doing so, we find fulfilment in a job well done, free from the need for comparison with others. These verses underscore that we bear the responsibility for our conduct. Join me in this devotional as we explore the profound impact of embracing personal accountability in our Christian walk."Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself." - Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message) Heavenly Father, As I reflect on the wisdom of Galatians 6:4-5, I am humbled by the knowledge that one day, I will stand before Your throne and give an account. Lord, forgive me for the times when selfishness clouded my vision and prevented me from considering the bigger picture. I lift each member of my family to You, Lord. I ask for Your supernatural favour to rest upon them, guiding their steps and watching over them. May Your protective hand be a constant presence in their lives. Father, grant me the strength to continually renew my mind, to align it with Your will, and to draw ever closer to You. As I embark on this journey of personal accountability, may Your grace be my guiding light. I offer this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ,Amen

Embracing Imperfect: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones on the Path to Success

by Yvette van Niekerk Proverbs 28: 13 "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper." Mistakes are an inherent part of our human journey, a testament to our imperfection. In our quest for success, we find solace in the wisdom of acknowledging these errors, learning from them, and diligently working to rectify them. I read that through the experiences of 105 executives, we discover common traits among those who have achieved success, yet one observation shines with particular significance. Successful individuals are those who willingly admit their mistakes and embrace the consequences, refraining from casting blame upon others. None of us relish the repercussions of our actions. When adversity strikes, our instinctual reaction is to seek a scapegoat; it's a trait woven into our very nature. Consider the tale of the Garden of Eden, where Adam, confronted by God about his transgressions, placed blame upon Eve. Similarly, Eve, when questioned, shifted responsibility to the Devil. In moments of personal failure, it is essential to pause and examine the true root of the issue objectively. This introspection is the pathway to growth and improvement, ensuring that we are better equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. Someone wisely noted that the sooner we stumble, the more opportunities we have to refine ourselves. Thus, we must ask ourselves, "What lessons have I gleaned from this stumble? How can I transform this setback into a triumph? In what other areas have I succeeded amidst my failures?" Those who habitually accuse others for their shortcomings find themselves perpetually ensnared in a cycle of problems. To ascend to our highest potential, we must steadfastly strive for self-improvement, and that journey begins with assuming responsibility and gleaning wisdom from our missteps. Throughout life, obstacles will invariably cross our path. The pivotal question is whether we will remain in the depths of defeat or muster the strength to rise once more and seize the opportunity to fight another day. Henry Ford aptly expressed, "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." Let us, therefore, embrace the timeless biblical wisdom found in Proverbs 24:16 (KJV), which reminds us that a just person may stumble seven times, yet each time, they rise anew. In the light of our faith, we understand that mistakes are part of our earthly existence, but it is through our faith, humility, and perseverance that we can turn these missteps into stepping stones on our journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, as inspired by the enduring principles of the Bible. Dear Lord, I come before You with a heavy heart, acknowledging my imperfections and shortcomings. My life has been marked by iniquities and sin, and I stand before You, humbled and broken. Today, I surrender my life into Your loving hands, seeking Your forgiveness and guidance. I pray for Your boundless mercy to wash over me, to cleanse me of my transgressions, and to guide me towards a path that aligns with Your divine will. I am acutely aware of the many mistakes I've made, the pain I've caused to others, and the thoughtlessness that has marred my actions. With deep humility, I beseech You, Lord, to forgive me. I am in desperate need of Your forgiveness, Your grace, and Your transformative love. Please grant me the strength and wisdom to mend my ways, to be more mindful of my words and actions, and to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. In the name of Jesus Christ, I offer up this prayer, knowing that Your love and forgiveness are boundless. Amen.